Design, graph theoretical analysis and bioinformatic studies of proanthocyanidins encapsulated ethyl cellulose nanoparticles for effective anticancer activity

Non-lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles as nanocarriers for enhanced drug encapsulation of atorvastatin calcium and proanthocyanidins

Atorvastatin calcium (ATV) and proanthocyanidins (PAC) have a strong antioxidant activity, that can benefit to reduce the atherosclerotic plaque progression. Unfortunately, the bioavailability of ATV is greatly reduced due to its limited drug solubility while the PAC drug is unstable upon exposure to the atmospheric oxygen. Herein, the lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LLCNPs) constructed by a binary mixture of soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and citric acid ester of monoglyceride (citrem) at different weight ratios were used to encapsulate the hydrophobic ATV and hydrophilic PAC. The LLCNPs were further characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering. Depending on the lipid composition, the systems have a size range of 140-190 nm and were able to encapsulate both drugs in the range of 90-100%. Upon increasing the citrem content of drug-loaded LLCNPs, the hexosomes (H2) was completely transformed to an emulsified inverse micellar (L2). The optimum encapsulation efficiency (EE) of ATV and PAC were obtained in citrem/SPC weight ratio 4:1 (L2) and 1:1 (H2), respectively. There was a substantial change in the mean size and PDI of the nanoparticles upon 30 days of storage with the ATV-loaded LLCNPs exhibiting greater colloidal instability than PAC-loaded LLCNPs. The biphasic released pattern (burst released at the initial stage followed by the sustained released at the later stage) was perceived in ATV formulation, while the burst drug released pattern was observed in PAC formulations that could be attributed by its internal H2 structure. Interestingly, the cytokine studies showed that the PAC-LLCNPs promisingly up regulate the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) better than the drug-free and ATV-loaded LLCNPs samples. The structural tunability of citrem/SPC nanoparticles and their effect on physicochemical characteristic, biological activities and potential as an alternative drug delivery platform in the treatment of atherosclerosis are discussed.

Optimization of ultrasound-aided extraction of bioactive ingredients from Vitis vinifera seeds using RSM and ANFIS modeling with machine learning algorithm

Plant materials are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds with interesting health-beneficial effects. The present study aimed to determine the optimized condition for maximum extraction of polyphenols from grape seeds through RSM (response surface methodology), ANFIS (adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system), and machine learning (ML) algorithm models. Effect of five independent variables and their ranges, particle size (X1: 0.5-1 mm), methanol concentration (X2: 60-70% in distilled water), ultrasound exposure time (X3: 18-28 min), temperature (X4: 35-45 °C), and ultrasound intensity (X5: 65-75 W cm-2) at five levels (- 2, - 1, 0, + 1, and + 2) concerning dependent variables, total phenolic content (y1; TPC), total flavonoid content (y2; TFC), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging (y3; %DPPH*sc), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radicals scavenging (y4; %ABTS*sc) and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential (y5; FRAP) were selected. The optimized condition was observed at X1 = 0.155 mm, X2 = 65% methanol in water, X3 = 23 min ultrasound exposure time, X4 = 40 °C, and X5 = 70 W cm-2 ultrasound intensity. Under this situation, the optimal yields of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant scavenging potential were achieved to be 670.32 mg GAE/g, 451.45 mg RE/g, 81.23% DPPH*sc, 77.39% ABTS*sc and 71.55 μg mol (Fe(II))/g FRAP. This optimal condition yielded equal experimental and expected values. A well-fitted quadratic model was recommended. Furthermore, the validated extraction parameters were optimized and compared using the ANFIS and random forest regressor-ML algorithm. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) analyses were performed to find the existence of the bioactive compounds in the optimized extract.

Capsaicin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: design, biodistribution, in silico modeling and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation

Lower doses of capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) have the potential to serve as an anticancer drug, however, due to its pungency, irritant effect, poor water solubility and high distribution volume often linked to various off-target effects, its therapeutic use is limited. This study aimed to determine the biodistribution and anticancer efficacy of capsaicin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in human hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro. In this study, SLNs of stearic acid loaded with capsaicin was formulated by the solvent evaporation-emulsification technique and were instantly characterized for their encapsulation efficiency, morphology, loading capacity, stability, particle size, charge and in vitro drug release profile. Synthesized SLNs were predominantly spherical, 80 nm diameter particles that proved to be biocompatible with good stability in aqueous conditions. In vivo biodistribution studies of the formulated SLNs showed that 48 h after injection in the lateral tail vein, up to 15% of the cells in the liver, 1.04% of the cells in the spleen, 3.05% of the cells in the kidneys, 3.76% of the cells in the heart, 1.31% of the cells in the lungs and 0% of the cells in the brain of rats were determined. Molecular docking studies against the identified targets in HepG2 cells showed that the capsaicin is able to bind Abelson tyrosine-protein kinase, c-Src kinase, p38 MAP kinase and VEGF-receptor. Molecular dynamic simulation showed that capsaicin-VEGF receptor complex is highly stable at 50 nano seconds. The IC₅₀ of capsaicin loaded SLNs in HepG2 cells in vitro was 21.36 μg × ml^-1. These findings suggest that capsaicin loaded SLNs are stable in circulation for a period up to 3 d, providing a controlled release of loaded capsaicin and enhanced anticancer activity.

Design, In Silico Modelling, and Functionality Theory of Novel Folate Receptor Targeted Rutin Encapsulated Folic Acid Conjugated Keratin Nanoparticles for Effective Cancer Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Site-specific and toxic-free drug delivery, is an interesting area of research. Nanoengineered drug delivery systems possess a remarkable potential for effective treatment of various types of cancers.

METHODS

In this study, novel Folic Acid (FA) conjugated keratin nanoparticles (NPs) were assembled with encapsulation and delivery of Rutin (Rt) into breast cancer cells through the overexpressed folate receptor. The biocompatible, Rt encapsulated FA conjugated keratin NPs (FA@Ker NPs) were successfully formulated by a modified precipitation technique. Their morphological shape and size, size distribution, stability, and physical nature were characterized and confirmed. The drug (Rt) encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and release kinetics were also studied.

RESULTS

The observed results of molecular docking and density functionality theory of active drug (Rt) showed a strong interaction and non-covalent binding of the folate receptor and facilitation of endocytosis in breast cancer cells. Further, in vitro cytotoxic effect of FA@Ker NPs was screened against MCF-7 cancer cells, at 55.2 µg/mL of NPs and found to display 50% of cell death at 24h. Moreover, the NPs enhanced the uptake of Rt in MCF-7 cells, and the apoptotic effect of condensed nuclei and distorted membrane bodies was observed. Also, NPs entered into the mitochondria of MCF-7 cells and significantly increased the level of ROS which led to cell death.

CONCLUSION

The developed FA@Ker NPs might be a promising way to enhance anti-cancer activity without disturbing normal healthy cells.

Design, in silico modelling and functionality theory of folate-receptor-targeted myricetin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle formulation for cancer treatment

Targeted drug delivery systems are a promising field of research. Nano-engineered material-mediated drug delivery possesses remarkable potential for the treatment of various malignancies. Here, folic acid (FA)-conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (NPs) were used to encapsulate myricetin (Myr). Subsequently, the delivery of Myr via naturally overexpressed folate receptor (FR) to FR-positive breast cancer cells was studied. Myr-loaded BSA NPs were assembled by modified desolvation cross-linking technique. An FA-conjugated carrier, N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-FA ester, was successfully synthesized. Its functional and structural characteristics were confirmed by ultraviolet, Fourier-transform infrared, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Biocompatible FA-conjugated, Myr-loaded BSA NPs (FA-Myr-BSA NPs) were successfully formulated using a carbonate/bicarbonate buffer. Their morphology, size, shape, physiological stability, and drug release kinetics were studied. Molecular docking studies revealed that FA-Myr-BSA NPs readily bound non-covalently to folate receptors and facilitated active drug endocytosis. FA-Myr-BSA NPs could trigger fast release of Myr in an acidic medium (pH 5.4), and showed high biocompatibility in a physiological medium. FA-Myr-BSA NPs effectively decreased the viability of MCF-7 cells after 24 h with 72.45 μg ml^-1 IC₅₀ value. In addition, FA-Myr-BSA NPs enhanced the uptake of Myr in MCF-7 cells. After incubation, a typical apoptotic morphology of condensed nuclei and distorted membrane bodies was observed. The NPs also targeted mitochondria of MCF-7 cells, significantly increasing reactive oxygen species release and contributing to the loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity. The observed results confirm that the newly developed FA-Myr-BSA NPs can serve as a potential carrier for Myr to increase the anticancer activity of this chemotherapeutic.

Formulation and characterization of folate receptor-targeted PEGylated liposome encapsulating bioactive compounds from Kappaphycus alvarezii for cancer therapy

This study aimed to formulate and characterize the folate receptor-targeted PEGylated liposome encapsulating bioactive compounds from Kappaphycus alvarezii to enhance the anticancer activity. Twenty valued bioactive compounds (3-hydroxy benzoicacid, gallicacid, chlorogenicacid, cinnamicacid, artemiseole, hydrazine carbothioamide, etc.,) are confirmed from methanol extract of K. alvarezii using analytical techniques like HPLC and GC-MS. The delivery of bioactive compounds of K. alvarezii via naturally overexpressed folate receptor (FR) to FR-positive breast cancer cells was studied. FR targeted PEGylated liposome was constructed by modified thin-film hydration technique using FA-PEG-DSPE/cholesterol/DSPC (5:40:55) and bioactive compounds of K. alvarezii was encapsulated. Their morphology, size, shape, physiological stability and drug release kinetics were studied. The study reports of K. alvarezii extract-encapsulated PEGylated liposome showed spherical shaped particles with amorphous in nature. The mean diameter of K. alvarezii extract-encapsulated PEGylated and FA-conjugated PEGylated liposomes was found to be 110 ± 6 nm and 140 ± 5 nm, respectively. Based on the stability studies, it could be confirmed that FA-conjugated PEGylated liposome was highly stable in various physiological buffer medium. FA-conjugated PEGylated liposome can steadily release the bioactive compounds of K. alvarezii extract in acidic medium (pH 5.4). MTT assay demonstrated the concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells after 24 h with IC₅₀ of 81 µg/mL. Also, PEGylated liposome enhanced the delivery of K. alvarezii extract in MCF-7 cells. After treatment, typical apoptotic morphology of condensed nuclei and distorted membrane bodies was picturized. Additionally, PEGylated liposome targets the mitochondria of MCF-7 cells and significantly increased the level of ROS and contributes to the damage of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Hence, PEGylated liposome could positively deliver the bioactive compounds of K. alvarezii extract into FR-positive breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and exhibit great potential in anticancer therapy.